Smile Street

Pediatric Dentistry

Smile Street Pediatric Dentistry strives to offer the highest quality of dental care for infants, children, and teenagers with a special focus on early cavity prevention.

The foundation of our dental practice focuses on preventative care to reinforce proper oral hygiene practices and offer early intervention for common childhood problems such as bruxism (teeth grinding), cavities, and crowding.

GENERAL SERVICES

Searching for a special needs pediatric dentist near me? At Smile Street Pediatric Dentistry, our entire staff has undergone additional training to meet the needs of patients with all types of special needs including emotional, physical, developmental, sensory, mental, and cognitive impairments.

Fillings

Used To Fill Small Cavities

Crowns

Used To Restore Larger Cavities

Teeth Cleaning

Recommended twice a year

Primary Teeth

Important for holding space for permanent teeth

Digital X-Rays

Our practice uses digital x-rays to assess the health and growth of your child’s teeth and detect signs of problems such as cavities. Digital x-rays are very safe and emit up to 90% less radiation than conventional film-based x-rays.

Specialty Sedation Services

We specialize in pediatric sedation dentistry for anxiety-free dental care

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a mild form of sedation that’s best for children with fairly low anxiety. The nitrous oxide is inhaled through a fruit-scented device over your child’s nose. The nitrous oxide takes effect quickly and the gas will be inhaled for the duration of the treatment to keep your child calm.

Oral Conscious Sedation

This form of sedation is more moderate for children who have a greater level of anxiety or fear of dental treatment. For oral conscious sedation, your child will need to arrive for their appointment in the morning on an empty stomach. The sedative will be administered based on your child’s weight. Once it takes effect, your child will inhale nitrous oxide during their procedure. Your child will be fully alert.

IV Sedation

This is the deepest form of sedation dentistry and requires an anesthesiologist to administer the sedative and monitor your child’s vitals during treatment. IV sedation is reserved for children with the highest levels of anxiety or those who require extensive treatment. It may also be recommended for children who had unsuccessful visits using oral conscious sedation.

KIDS FIRST

Smile Street Pediatric Dentistry focuses on the health and safety of our patients of all ages with treatments customized to the unique needs of the children we serve.

QUALITY CARE

We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for children of all ages. While we focus on preventative care, we also offer restorative dental services and counseling.

ANXIETY-FREE TREATMENT

We understand that many children are afraid of their upcoming dental appointment. We offer solutions to make your visit as easy as possible including sedation dentistry and technology.

Dr. Marissa Faeldan-Suarez

Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from UCLA Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Advanced Pediatric Dentistry training at USC

As a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Marissa Faeldan-Suarez is dedicated to caring for the oral health of infants, children, & adolescents. Dr. Faeldan-Suarez obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at The University of California, Los Angeles.

At UCLA, she achieved the UCLA Award of Excellence in Pediatric Dentistry, demonstrating her desire to further her knowledge in the specialty. In recognition of Dr. Faeldan-Suarez’s intimate involvement in the local community, she was awarded the Wyatt Rory Hume Scholarship. Thus began her journey into Pediatrics.

General information

Sedation dentistry

We use several forms of sedation dentistry to help our anxious patients feel comfortable and enjoy a pleasant visit to the dentist. If your child is nervous about seeing a dentist, requires more extensive dental work, or you aren’t sure if they will be able to sit still for their visit, ask us about the most appropriate form of sedation.

Special needs patients?

Smile Street Pediatric Dentistry welcomes special needs patients of all ages. Dr. Marissa and her team are specially trained to manage the dental needs of patients with special needs. We customize your child’s care to accommodate their needs while going above and beyond to make your child feel comfortable throughout their appointment.

Your Child’s First Visit

The ADA recommends your child receive their first dental checkup by age 1. Early dental appointments are important for developing healthy oral habits and making future visits to the dentist easier and more comfortable. We will also check your child for cavities and develop a preventative treatment plan to ensure great oral health for the future.

Why Choose SMILE STREET

Our Goal At Heart Is Simple – Create A Healthy Smile For Your Child

Innovative Technology

Smile Street Pediatric Dentistry uses the latest technology to help your child enjoy a stress-free and easy dental appointment. We offer WiFi and new iPads in our lobby to keep children entertained before appointments. To help kids stay calm and still during visits, we have LED flat screens that play child-friendly movies above every dental chair.

Safe Sedation Dentistry

We understand that visiting the dentist may be frightening for children, especially if they have had a bad experience with another children’s dentist in Los Angeles. Smile Street Pediatric Dentistry offers three forms of safe sedation dentistry to help your child stay relaxed or asleep during their appointment.

Preventative Care

Smile Street Pediatric Dentistry focuses on preventative care to protect your child’s teeth and oral health. We recommend dental visits every 6 months for a dental cleaning and fluoride application. A dental cleaning removes plaque from your child’s teeth that can contribute to cavities. Fluoride treatments, combined with sealants, are effective at protecting your child’s enamel and guarding against cavities.

Restorative Care

You can count on Smile Street Pediatric Dentistry for anxiety-free, caring treatment. We perform all types of pediatric dental restorative services including white crowns and fillings to restore your child’s smile and bite.

Customized Treatments

We develop treatment plans tailored to your child’s needs. This may include preventative treatment such as sealants that can reduce the risk of cavities by up to 80%, fillings to treat smaller cavities, and mouth guards to treat bruxism or teeth grinding. We can also help with early assessment and treatment for incorrect bites or misaligned teeth and provide counseling for habits like thumb sucking.

Special Needs Dentistry

We believe that every child should receive the highest-quality dental care. Smile Street Pediatric Dentistry serves the Greater Los Angeles, Marina Del Ray, and Inglewood area with special attention for patients with special needs. We understand how important it is to choose the best children’s dentist in Los Angeles to give your child the care he or she needs without anxiety or hardship. Our entire staff has received additional training to accommodate all types of patients.

Smile Street Dentistry

The ongoing relationship between a dentist and a child patient is critical to maintain a healthy oral environment.

What Is a Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist undergoes 2 to 3 additional years of specialized training following dental school that is focused on infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric dentists monitor dental growth and development through the various stages of childhood and help children avoid future dental problems. A children’s dentist in Inglewood, CA can provide comprehensive oral health care that includes oral health exams, preventative dental care such as fluoride treatments and sealants, habit counseling, early assessment, cavity repair, and care for dental injuries.

Why Are Primary Teeth Important?

It’s a common misconception that primary teeth are not important because they will eventually fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth. While “baby” teeth are meant to fall out, they still serve several very important functions and need to be cared for. Your child’s primary teeth don’t just help your child chew and speak properly; they also hold the space in the jaws for the permanent teeth that are already growing. When a baby tooth is lost early or needs to be pulled, the permanent tooth no longer has a guide. The baby teeth are meant to guide the permanent teeth into the correct position. Without a baby tooth, the space for the permanent tooth may be reduced or the tooth may come in crooked or misaligned.

When Will My Child’s Teeth Grow?

There is a wide spectrum during which your child’s primary teeth can erupt and when permanent teeth begin to appear. Teeth begin to form before birth and usually start to erupt as young as 4 months or even younger. The first teeth to erupt are usually the lower central incisors then the upper central incisors. By the age of 3, most children have all 20 primary teeth. Primary teeth are usually lost in the order in which they appear. Permanent teeth usually begin to erupt around the age of 6 beginning with the first molars and lower central incisors. Permanent teeth will continue to appear until around the age of 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth and may have up to 4 third molars or wisdom teeth.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for My Child?

Sedation dentistry is a safe option to help combat your child’s fear of seeing a children’s dentist. There are three types of sedation dentistry that a pediatric dentist may use. The most common is nitrous oxide. A nitrous oxide children’s dentist may recommend this mild form of sedation to help your child feel more comfortable. It’s also the safest option. Oral conscious sedation also has minimal risks because the medication will be administered based on your child’s weight to stay within safe guidelines. IV sedation or sleep sedation is administered via IV. While this form of sedation comes with the greatest risk, it is typically well tolerated with minimal adverse reactions.

How Do I Find a Pediatric Dentist Who Accepts Medicaid or MediCal?

Are you searching for a children’s dentist that accepts MediCal or Medicaid? At Smile Street Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to protecting the oral health of all children in Los Angeles, Inglewood, Brentwood, and surrounding areas. We accept all forms of insurance, including MediCal and Medicaid to help you access high-quality dental care for your child. If you are searching for an experienced pediatric dentist that takes Medicaid and MediCal in the Los Angeles area, please give us a call to schedule an appointment.

What to Do in aDental Emergency? CALL US! (310) 391-8787 or Fill the form below to Book an Appointment

Meet our Staff

Ana Alaverdian

Manager & Financial Coordinator

Ana has more than 20 years of managing and dental administrative experience with a dedication to providing the best for our patients’ experience and dental care. Ana is great at helping patients arrange financial arrangements within their budgets and explaining procedures performed in our office. She also loves giving our young patients a great experience with a prize and smile when they leave. Ana speaks English, Armenian, and Farsi and enjoys painting and gardening in her free time.

Dr. Marissa Faeldan-Suarez

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Faeldan-Suarez is committed to high-quality dental care for infants, children, and adolescents. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of California, Los Angeles where she achieved the UCLA Award of Excellence in Pediatric Dentistry. She was also awarded the Wyatt Rory Hume Scholarship in recognition of her involvement in the community. In 2012, Dr. Faeldan-Suarez achieved Diplomate status with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry to become a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist.

Rosanna Barrancos

Appointment Coordinator

Rossana welcomes visiting families with a smile, coordinates appointments, and specializes in insurance billing. Rosanna loves her job and has more than one decade of experience. In her free time, she enjoys running marathons, hiking, and spending time with her son and daughter.

HAPPY & SATISFIED PARENTS

See what our happy client saying about receiving out valuable services.

My girls absolutely love Smile Street. Everyone is so kind, and the care my two daughters receive is beyond compare. Going to the dentist has always produced anxiety for my children, but from the moment they walk into the office, those fears are put at ease, with the kid friendly environment, movies playing, iPads, and books. The dentist is amazing as she talks the children through every step, describing what she is doing and what they will feel. It is rare to find such a great pediatric dentist, I am glad we did

Kathleen Horsey

Dr. Marissa and her office team provided my child the best first time at the dentist experience! I couldn’t have been more grateful for such an amazing memory my child will forever have. I found her on yelp and it’s been the best find as of yet. Thank you Dr. Marissa!!!

Zeina R.

Today was my daughter first visit to this office. She is a 5 y/o autistic child. As a mother, this is one of my biggest fear. I am so grateful that my fiends referred me here. The staff and doctors were amazing. They explained everything step to me and supported me when I saw my child crying. The allowed me to stay in the room with my daughter to confront her. I highly recommend this dentist for children. Thank you for welcoming us

Linda T.

First dentist appointment for my oldest son was a breeze. I dreaded it and was worried that it would be a nightmare, but Dr. Marissa made it very easy. Our son was very calm and was distracted by all of the things they have for kids - including tvs on the ceiling!

Julie M

Staff is great and the doctor is very patient with children. Definitely a place to go for pediatric dentistry.

Darius G.

Took our two year-old twins as it was their first dental visit ever, and Smile Street was great. Easy, free parking out front. Sweet staff. Fun offices. Handled my scared son perfectly as well as my chill son. Loved the DR too. Great place for kids!

Mike G

Love this place!!! The assistants and dentist are very patient and caring. My daughter was terrified of the "dentist" and therefore we had to change places several times. But I think this is the one for us. They calmly explained the procedure to her and even let her use some of the equipment herself. Her fears are all gone now. Thank you guy!!!

Wendy N

This office is very clean and friendly, I brought my niece in and she gets distracted with all the decorations in here that she forgets what she's there for. The staff is very pleasant, I would definitely recommend this office.

Lili J

My girls love coming to Smile Street! They think it's such a fun place to be, from the iPads to the murals to the TVs on the ceilings so they can watch a show while they're getting their teeth cleaned. My 5 yo was such a squirmer and hated dental cleanings before she came here. Now she talks about wanting to go see Dr. Marissa all the time. I highly recommend this office.

Em C

Friendly staff. The dentist was very caring and careful with my 1 year old daughter. She checked and flossed her teeth and she didn't even flitch. The office is very kid friendly.

Theresa O

Just took my son for his first dental appointment and was so impressed with this place and with Dr. Marissa and her team. The inside was so clean and warm and welcoming. Very kid friendly. Lots of books and a few toys. And such a smart touch to have movies playing on the ceiling while the kids lie down and get their teeth checked. Loved. Loved. Loved. And I'm hard to please when it comes to my kid 🙂

Julia H

Was looking for place to take both of my kids for they're first dentist check up gave this place a chance and it was amazing both my kids loved it the staff is super friendly will be back

Brenda L

Great experience with my 6 year old. Very patient doctor, made my son who is usually very anxious comfortable. Office is very nice and kid friendly.

Jovan H

I wanted to share our families Smile Street experience, both my Children had a recent check-up and like most children Yuliana and JJ were very nervous about the visit.The staff immediately picked up on their tension and were very helpful in getting them relaxed. The waiting area is nothing short of a fun zone and the kids were instantly distracted, once they were called in the nurses (assistants) became my kids best friends. The conversations they shared helped form a bond and trust that allowed the kids to be more relaxed. Thank you Smile Street and Dr Marissa, now their smiles can continue to light up my days. Highly recommend Smile Street for your next Dentist visit your kids will thank you.

Jose V

Take your children here for top notch dental care, you won't regret it. First impression: the office was so cute with murals on the wall and such a cute, kid friendly atmosphere! Everyone was so friendly, from the staff in the front greeting us, all the way through the appointment. Dr. Marissa was so patient and helpful throughout the appointment. You can tell she loves her job and truly cares about her patients. The entire experience was lovely and my kids and I could not be happier with the entire experience.

Jennifer L

I found Dr. Marissa thru yelp. And I don't regret going here for a second. Her staff is so nice and friendly. They always explain what they're doing and are gentle and patient with the kids. And the same goes for Dr. Marissa. She's very sweet and patient with her patients. She's got a mommylike quality about her with her patients. I don't know how to explain but she treats them like her children. (i.e. its okay Sweetie, open big hun)

Annie C

Omg!!!! I love this office! Usually my son is scared of Doctors, but this office is so kid friendly!!! I love how they have a theme. My son was really good, comfortable and he followed instructions, all the staff was so nice and so attentive. All I have to say is that this office offers Excellent Service!!!! The experience son had with getting his teeth cleaned was great!! The office is really clean and organized. Dr. Marissa answered all my questions and concerns regarding my son. I will continue to bring my son to this office, I finally found an office that I know I can trust and were my son will be comfortable. I definitely recommend this office 🙂

Brenda R

Love this place! Its clean (not to mention the bathroom and it has a changing area for babies). The staff super nice but my favorite is Dr. Marissa. She's great w kids and so patient. Even when I hear her w another patient she calmly and patiently talks to the kids to put them at ease.

Sharon D

Dr. Marissa is an amazing pediatric dentist. I have 8 kids ranging from a newborn to a teenager. My kids gave her a hard time moving, yelling and kicking her, yet she was calm. She is very knowledgeable and explains everything before she proceeds. I highly recommend her.

Anne P

The staff here are great; very friendly and patient as well as professional. My toddler son has gone here a couple of times and never cries seeing the dentist. Always a good experience

May Lanee G

We brought our sons in for a checkup and cleanings. The office is very nice with iPads on the wall that the kids can play with while waiting. The cleanings, x-rays, and inspections by the dentist were quick and didn't hurt either of my kids, who are 3 and 5 years old. One of my sons needed further work on a cavity. Upon return for the work, the staff worked quickly as they could to minimize my son's discomfort. They were able to get everything done in under 30 minutes, which is nice when you have a very scared 5 year old. The dentist is very sweet and even called the next day to see how my son was doing. I was very happy with the care.

Christopher B

We love this place so much. The entire staff is amazing here. So patient and caring with both our boys. The care and attention that you get here is unbelievable. We are ecstatic to have found this hidden treasure. Dentist Marissa Faelden-Suarez is the most amazing child dentist. She has been so lovely with both our boys. This place is truly a hidden treasure.

Michelle L

Dr. Marissa has the patience of Mother Teresa when it comes to children. She was extremely patient with my daughter Jordyn. Earlier today my 4 yr went in to have cavities filled and caps placed on teeth. My daughter was a handful, but the doctor handled Jordyn with care. So happy I found this pediatric dental office. The staff and Dr. Marissa are awesome!

Cori J

We have been taking my 8 year old son for a couple of years to Dr. Marissa. She is awesome and patient with children. We have a 30 minute commute but don't mind it at all because my son has a fear of dentists and the Dr. is able to put him at ease. Also, Rossana at the front desk is the best she is always willing to go out of her way to help you out.

Susie G

My daughters first time to the dentist. It was a great experience for her. The staff made her feel so comfortable.

Melissa D

Dr. Marissa is wonderful! Her assistant Heather is also very friendly and carries a huge smile! Her staff is amazing as well. It's obvious that Dr. Marissa sets a great example for them and demonstrates how patients are supposed to be treated. if you're looking for a great pediatric dentist, Dr. Marissa is it!

Monica S

Our regular dentist was wonderful, but she was just too far away. We tried Smile Street, and boy are we happy that we did. The office staff was friendly, the service was prompt, and I truly believe that my three kids received excellent dental care. The office is very open and immaculate. Recommended!

M W

Newly renovated and super clean dental office. Dr. Marissa and her assistant, April, are very friendly and patient. My five year old has a fear of going to the dentist and they were very good at explaining everything to her so there were no surprises. The office has its own parking lot with plenty of spaces. Highly recommend.

C B

I am so glad I stumbled upon this place. The doctor and her staff are amazing. My kids used to go to a well known pediatric dentist in Manhattan Beach and I was concerned that the transition to a new, smaller, less bells and whistles facility wouldn't cut it, but all four of my children love Smile Street. The doctor is so amazing with kids and her staff is great too. It's a great facility that the doctor and her staff take great pride in.

Mel P

We moved to the LA area from Houston a few months ago and were looking for a pediatric dentist who was as great as our dentist there. Dr. Marissa at Smile Street Dentistry eased our worries. She saw both of my children (ages 4 years and 21 months). She was incredibly kind, gentle, and extremely competent. She deserves 5 stars because, at the heart of discovering a wonderful pediatric dentist, it comes down to skill, gentleness, and a "knack" for working with kids. Dr. Marissa knocks it out of the park.

Teri K

This place is perfect for families. Not only do they have flatscreen TV's on the ceiling (for real) to keep kids occupied, but the staff are friendly and know how to keep kids relaxed.

Mike S

Brought my 14 year old niece here for a tooth extraction. The office is very beautiful and welcoming. Dr. Marissa and her staff worked above and beyond to make her feel comfortable. Dr. Marissa explained to me and my niece each step before proceeding to the extraction. Thank you Dr. Marissa and your staff, looking forward to my niece's next cleaning visit!

Tricia S

Great Dentist for children. The staff is so friendly and helpful. Dr. Marissa is wonderful with children. The office is kid friendly with TV's on the ceiling and stuffed animals for the kids to brush their teeth for encouragement. I highly recommend Smile Street Dentistry. Thank You Dr and staff for making my sons oral surgery a successful one. 10 stars.

Kristen B

My 7 year old, 5 year old, and 3 year old actually had a great time and say they love having their teeth cleaned because this place is so amazing.

Melea D

I loved how friendly the front desk was. My children had plenty of books, toys, movies, etc. To entertain them while waiting. Very clean and welcoming.

Ria R

Dr. Marissa is great with little ones! We have a 2 year old and Dr. Marissa and her staff make a trip to the dentist with a 2 year old bearable. My husband is a dentist and we see Dr. Marissa for her expertise in pediatric dentistry!

Crystal L

We had a great experience with Dr. Marissa Faeldan. My 5 year old daughter had to get a tooth extracted, but we got through the appointment with minimum trauma. Dr. Faeldan was wonderful with my daughter, put her at ease, got her to do some uncomfortable x-rays, and got her through the hard part (getting numb) and took care of her teeth. Rosanna at the front desk was very nice also! I am so happy to have found a good pediatric dentist!

Akiko J

I wouldn't take my daughter anywhere else. The dentist is so sweet. The place SOOO kids friendly- movies, toys, murals, books. My daughter isn't scared to go anymore because of how nice they are. Location- so convenient on Sepulveda, always parking.

Jessica O

Check out Dr. Marissa's office in Culver City! The staff are wonderful and by far the most professional and patient people I have ever met! My child used to be scared of dentist, but because of Dr. Marissa my son loves to go to the dentist now. Dr. Marissa is very sweet and compassionate!

M D

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As a resident of Los Angeles, Dr. Marissa takes pride in outreaching to the local community of Culver City.

As a professional advocate of oral health for infants, children, and adolescents, Smile Street Pediatric Dentistry strives first and foremost to educate the local community on early cavity prevention. The oral condition is strongly correlated with the overall health..